Page 14 of Sweetest Temptation
I caught our reflection in the mirror one last time; two women dressed in black, fierce and unbothered.
“I don’t know all about that. I’m ready, though. Our ride is outside,” I said, boots clicking as we exited the house, me locking the door behind us. I made sure to grab my leather coat because I knew I’d get cold. It wouldn’t offset my look, either, with it being short and stopping above my waist.
Chit chat consumed the car, and before my thighs could stick to the leather seats, the driver slowed in front of the lounge. As the car came to a full stop, I could see how deep the crowd was through the window. The line stretched down the block, wrapping around the corner, with people hoping to get inside. The driver slipped out and opened my door first, offering his hand as I stepped out with Nyala right behind me.
The chatter along the line quieted some as we made our way toward the front. I could feel the stares following us as we passed everyone. The bouncer gave us a once-over but didn’t move. Nyala stepped forward and gave her name. A second later, he nodded, unclipped the velvet rope, and stepped aside.
“Thank you,” Nyala said, brushing past him like she owned the place. I followed, catching the annoyed grumbles from people still stuck in line.
Inside, the atmosphere hit instantly: dim lights, thick cigar smoke curling into the air, and a low roll of jazz mixing with R&B. Every table was full, men in suits puffing on cigars, andwomen sipping cocktails. Heads turned when we walked in, and I felt the heat of every gaze, some admiring, some envious.
Nyala gave her name to the hostess, and we were immediately escorted to our section. I was impressed, and made a mental note to ask my bestie who her male friend was who had invited her. It was obvious he had money to afford such an elegant spot.
Eyes followed us as we passed tables and booths, the heavy smell of cigars hanging thick in the air, mingling with the faint sweetness of expensive liquor. The low lighting caught the shine of my leather skirt and Nyala’s bodysuit, making us stand out even more. The VIP section was slightly elevated, separated by tinted glass and guarded by another security guy. The hostess unhooked the velvet rope and motioned us in. Plush leather couches, polished tables, and bottle service were already waiting. It felt like stepping into another world. The music was still heavy, but it was clearer and smoother up here, as if the whole space was designed to make you feel untouchable.
“Damn! You didn’t tell me it was going to be like this. Who is this Ryan again?”
Nyala grinned, dropping into the seat beside me, her boots crossing one another. “Girl, Ryan is a street nigga. You know I love a roughneck with deep pockets. I may have a good job as a stylist, but Ilovea man who isn’t afraid to spoil me.” She grabbed the menu from the table and flipped it open casually. “I’m going to order us some wings. We are drinking heavy tonight. Let’s do some shots first.”
Nyala grabbed a bottle off the table. I immediately noticed the sleek blue glass as Fuego Azul. Just the sight of it made my chest tighten. It reminded me I still hadn’t gotten a response from Mr. Samir Azul about my proposal. On impulse, I pulled out my phone and tapped my Gmail app. My heart rate pickedup when I saw the unread message sitting there, bold and waiting.
I opened it fast, and my stomach dropped at the first few lines.
Dear Ms. Zanova Pierce, we are sorry to inform you that we will not be moving…
I didn’t even need to finish reading. From that one line, it was already clear that Mr. Carter turned me down.
“What’s wrong?” Nyala’s voice pulled me out of the email, her brows knitting as she clocked the look on my face.
“You know that asshole turned my proposal down?” I sighed, shaking my head, the high from earlier slipping away.
“What? For real? Do you think it’s because you acted like you didn’t remember him?”
“That can’t be it. He did the same, even though I knew he remembered me.” I shook my head, pissed off. “You know what… it doesn’t matter,” I muttered, forcing a shrug. “I’ll try another vendor. His loss.”
“Damn. I still can’t believe you had a one-night stand! And with a boss-ass nigga at that!”
“Don’t remind me. I still don’t know what came over me that night. All I knew was that I was hurting and just wanted to feel something other than the pain.”
Nyala’s eyes softened, but that teasing smirk never left her face. “Yeah… Well, you definitely feltsomethingthat night.”
“Girl, shut up!” I said, trying not to laugh. “I was going through it. My ex had me in a chokehold emotionally, and Samir just… happened.”
“Just happened,” she repeated, rolling her eyes. “That man didn’tjust happen. You saw him, he saw you, and y’all damn near set that hotel on fire. Don’t play.”
I groaned, dropping my head in my hands.
“Maybe he’s testing you,” Ny said as she continued to look over the food menu. “Seeing if you fold or keep it business—strictly professional.”
“Please. Ain’t no test. He’s just an arrogant, fine-ass distraction I should’ve left in that damn bar.”
“Mm-hmm,” she hummed. “Keep telling yourself that.”
I cut her a look, but deep down, I knew she wasn’t wrong. Samir Carter was the one man I couldn’t seem to shake, no matter how hard I tried.
“Fuck him!” I yelled out.
“You right, friend. Fuck him! And fuck his good-ass tequila. Matter of fact… Let’s drink something else. We not even drinking his shit.”
